17/12/2025
Bishop Peter Kimani Ndungโu of the Diocese of Embu๐ฐ๐ช on Tuesday challenged Christians to continue being signs of hope to the vulnerable, even after the symbolic closing of the Holy Door of Hope at Our Lady of Visitation Deanery.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, the bishop emphasized that the end of activities marking the Jubilee Year of Hope does not signal an end to good deeds.
Instead, he said, Christians must now translate prayers and reflections into concrete actions for others.
โClosing the Door of Hope does not mean stopping doing good or instilling hope in others. Only the activities have stopped, not the deeds,โ the Bishop said.
The Holy Door at the deanery was opened on February 8, 2025, following Pope Francisโ declaration of 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope and the opening of the Holy Door at the Vatican in December 2024.
Bishop Kimani urged Christians to reflect on how they have impacted others during the year, particularly the hungry, the imprisoned, the homeless and other vulnerable members of society.
โIt has been a year of hope to do good to others. What have you done for others, and what change have you contributed to their lives?โ he posed.
The bishop called on Christians, political and community leaders, and clergy to continue expressing their faith through love and service, noting that unity remains the Churchโs strength.
โLet us be people who light each otherโs paths and lives. Through this cross we ought to be united. It has passed through our homes, and our togetherness is our strength,โ he said.
He added that the prayers and activities carried out during the Jubilee Year should not go to waste but should continue to unite believers and deepen love for one another, as God loves humanity.
On his part, the dean, Rev. Fr. Julius Kinyua, echoed the bishopโs message, urging Christians to ensure that hope is visible through action.
โWe have closed the door, but not the deeds. Let us be light for others and open the doors of our hearts to the less fortunate,โ Fr. Kinyua said, calling for prayers for strength to serve others faithfully.
Fr. Alex Mati, the parish priest of Sacred Heart Kyeni Parishโwhere the deaneryโs Holy Door of Hope had been openedโencouraged believers to foster togetherness and continue walking together as pilgrims of hope even after the doorโs closure.
Meanwhile, the Holy Door of Hope at Maria Consolata Deanery will be closed on Thursday, December 18, at Consolata Iriamurai Parish.
The final closure, marking the end of the Jubilee Year of Hope in the diocese, will take place on January 3, 2026, at Ss. Peter and Paul Cathedral Parish, Karurina.
Church leaders reiterated that while doors may close, the mission of hope, love and service must remain open in the hearts and lives of all Christians.
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